Independence Day Orator Dunn: Why are so many Liberians still poor?

By Olando Testimony Zeongar

MONROVIA – This year’s Orator for the country’s 178^th Independence Day celebrations, Rev. Emmett Dunn, has blamed poverty in Liberia largely on moral shortfall, while quipping why so many Liberians are poor.

National Orator Dunn stated that the fact that Liberians are being plagued by poverty is not just an economic issue, but a moral one.

He recommended that Liberia focuses on economic justice, warning that peace without prosperity is fragile.

“A hungry child cannot wait for macroeconomic policy. A farmer without tools cannot wait for committee reports. A mother who cannot afford healthcare for her child does not need promises—she needs solutions,” Dunn emphasized, informing Liberians that they cannot speak of true independence without first talking about economic independence.

He then told Liberians that now was the time to confront what he termed a painful truth, which he disclosed as too much of Liberia’s economy being owned and controlled by foreign interests.

Dunn stressed that while foreign investment is welcome, it must not be at the expense of the dignity of Liberians, pointing out that the soul of Liberia’s economy must be Liberian.

“Liberians must be actively involved in owning businesses. Liberians must be positioned to create wealth, not just consume it,” said Dunn, who added that to achieved these, Liberia must nurture and grow a vibrant middle class, one built on entrepreneurship, skilled labor, professional excellence, and innovation.

“A strong middle class is the backbone of every stable society. It generates jobs, drives demand, pays taxes, and anchors our democracy,” he maintained.

He wants small and medium enterprises supported, as well as making access to credit easier.

“We must invest in technical and vocational training. We must modernize agriculture so that farming becomes profitable again. We must embrace technology so our youth can compete on a global stage,” Dunn recommended.

He used the occasion to give a word of caution to Liberian entrepreneurs, after the Government of Liberia has created an enabling economic climate in the country, Liberian-owned businesses must endeavor to prove that they are trustworthy by honoring contracts and commitments.

Thereafter, the National Orator recommended to government several measures including full enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, mandatory equity participation in foreign investment concessions, and reform in the issuance of work permit, which he believes if done would bolster the country’s economy.

 Expanding on why he wants these measures implemented, Dunn observed that the persistent violation and weak enforcement of the Liberianization Policy have resulted in foreign encroachment, the marginalization of Liberian entrepreneurs, and undermining of local economic growth.

He called on government to, in enforcing the existing Liberianization Policy, ensure that the sectors reserved exclusively for Liberians remain protected and accessible only to Liberian citizens, as originally intended.

“The spirit and letter of the Liberianization Policy were designed to empower Liberians to play a central role in the national economy by safeguarding key areas of commerce from foreign domination,” Dunn noted, further calling on government to ensure that the exclusive rights of Liberians in designated sectors are respected.

“No foreign national or entity should be permitted to operate in these protected areas, either directly or through proxies,” he added, recommending that enforcement mechanisms must include monitoring, licensing controls, and punitive measures for both foreigners and Liberians found violating said policy.

“By enforcing the Liberianization Policy and ensuring meaningful Liberian participation in all economic activities, we pave the way for a stronger, more inclusive, and self-sustaining economy,” stated Dunn, who added that “If we must Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia, then we must prioritize Liberians. The time for action is now.”

 Regarding mandatory equity participation in foreign investment concessions, Dunn proposed that all future foreign investment concessions in Liberia be required to allocate a minimum percentage of equity for Liberian investors, be it individuals, groups, or institutions.

“This ensures that Liberians share in the ownership, profits, and long-term benefits of our natural and economic resources,” he said, indicating that such inclusive participation will build indigenous wealth and deepen national economic sovereignty.

For his work permit issuance reform measure recommendation, the 178^th Independence Day Orator stressed that work permits for foreign nationals should only be granted when it is clearly demonstrated that no qualified Liberian is available to perform such job.

“A transparent, merit-based review process should be instituted to ensure this requirement is met, promoting fair labor practices and prioritizing Liberian employment,” Dunn added, stating that these measures when implemented will yield numerous national benefits including job creation for Liberians, the reduction of unemployment and dependency.

He disclosed that these measures will also accrue national benefits such as capacity building and skills transfer as Liberians are given more opportunities to lead and manage businesses, increased local ownership, leading to greater wealth retention within the country.

Additionally, according to him, the implementation of these measures will also enhance tax revenue through increased local participation and transparent business practices, strengthened national identity and economic independence, thereby fostering pride and resilience in the Liberians.

“Liberia must no longer be a passive observer of our own economy,” Dunn emphasized, stating; “We must assert our rightful place at the center of national development.”